The idea came from a Japanese designer, who introduced a ForTwo wrap which turned the car into a piece of chocolate. Smart USA went a step further, coming up with a series of unique looks and themes, but still sharing the love.

One reads “I love you” in different scripts and languages. Another design says “Wrapped in love.” Well, isn’t that adorable?!

Source: USA Today

This Smart is an EV, too. Power comes from its 55 kilowatt electric motor, producing 95 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 75 miles per hour. To keep things green, the rechargeable motor also recharges those aforementioned ebikes.

Designers skipped adding a rear view mirror, instead trying out a camera with feed transmitted to complimentary smartphone mounted in the for-us dash.

Smart for-us makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, January 14th – 22nd.

Pics: LLN

The entire plan is the brainchild of Mercedes-Benz, now owner of the Smart franchise.

Smart will bring ‘ForFour’ (a four-seater based on the next ForTwo with rear-wheel drive / a rear mounted engine) to the United States in 2015.

But that’s not all; the ForTwo electric (pictured above) is getting a revamp, including updated lithium-ion batteries and flashy interior. A replacement for ForTwo is also due out in 2014. Finally, the Smart eBike will be available via online order or through select dealerships.

Source: WCF

Combining compact design and green energy, ForVision might be the first of its kind. The lightweight material used to construct the vehicle is matted to the transparent organic solar cells on its roof, which “generate enough energy to power the multimedia components even in poor lighting conditions.” These cells have organic light-emitting diodes that illuminate the vehicle’s interior when a door is ajar.

Other additions to the vehicle are all light in weight: plastic wheels (at 6.6 pounds), carbon-fiber reinforced resin doors, plastic seats (with lightweight cushioning) and infrared-reflecting film on the windows.

Source: WCF

Smart and Brabus have teamed up to create a new automotive concept. Teased in this video, the car is rumored to be a follow-up of the “ForFour” vehicle, and will possibly hit a top speed of around 150 mph.

Forspeed uses a 40-hp electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels. The driver may make use of a 7-hp boost that doesn’t exactly send the car flying, but helps it reach its 75 mph top speed. Meant for urban transit, the Forspeed travels up to 84 miles on a single charge.

It was showcased next to a new all-electric scooter and bicycle, items the Smart brand plans to sell next year. Defining characteristics, like over-sculpted body work, contrasting colors, and LED lighting are shared across the line. The new Smart fortwo and re-released forfour five-door should hit the market in 2014.

Smart’s leasing a fleet of 250 cars to individuals and corporate fleets as sort of a test run. Full vehicle production is slated for 2012, and pricing has yet to be announced.

“This is a groundbreaking day for smart in the United States,” Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak said in a statement. “We are extremely excited to add the smart fortwo electric drive to the smart product lineup, solidifying our position as a key player in transportation electrification.”

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, developed with help from Tesla Motors, has a 40 horsepower electric motor and a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The battery pack is good for a claimed 98 miles on the LA4 test cycle, but the EPA pegs the real-world figure at 63 miles. It’s good to go in eight hours when plugged into a 220 volt socket. The pack is 80 percent “full” at 3.5 hours.

The Source: CNET

The Smart ForTwo LightShine is a different approach towards the popular ForTwo nameplate, currently available at dealerships globally.

Based on Smart’s coupe, the LightShine features “an exclusive matte green exterior with body-color bumpers, LED daytime running lights and unique ‘Pulse’ alloy wheels.” Inside, there’s navigation (with CD/DVD/SD functionality), a sporty steering wheel, and special floor mats.

Power for the Smart ForTwo LightShine is provided by an 800cc three-cylinder CDI engine that produces 54 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 16.8 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 84 miles per hour.

Source: WCF

Rental Profile:
2 Door, hi-mileage, low emissions
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Smart Car Details
Seating Capacity:
X 2
Luggage Capacity:
Fuel Economy Range:
41 mpg Hwy, 33 mpg City
Car Class:
Subcompact